Select two from the numerated ethical theories and apply them to the ethical dilemma below. Note well: this is not an invitation for you to tell me how you personally would respond, but rather what a person whose professed ethical theory corresponds to your choices would say.
CHOOSE TWO:
1. Utilitarianism (whether Act or Rule),
2. Deontology, and/or
3. Virtue Ethics (which may involve some version of Care Ethics or not). Apply them to this scenario:
Dan, a sophomore in college who believes with all his heart that the christian god has appointed him to the mission of getting through his education so that he can become a political leader in the United States, is at a crossroads in his Introduction to Ethics class. He must earn an “A” on the final exam in order to keep up his GPA and he must keep up his GPA in order to continue to receive the scholarship funding that will make it possible for him to complete the education that is necessary in order to attain the political position that will fulfill his god-given mission. Dan’s friend, Bart, took the Ethics course with Dr. West in the previous semester and managed somehow to take a screen shot of the final exam with the correct answers. Having heard from others that Dr. West frequently recycles the same exam, Dan figures that he would be assured the “A” if he studied Bart’s screenshot of the exam. Dan decides that the future fulfillment of his god-given purpose is too important to risk not receiving an “A” on the exam; so he decides to use Bart’s exam. Dan scores a “100” on the exam, imagining that Dr. West and everyone else is none the wiser for it. Suppose that he goes on to become President of the United States.
Deontology
A deontologist would argue that Dan’s actions in using Bart’s exam to secure a perfect score on his final exam are ethically wrong. Deontological ethics focus on the inherent moral duties and obligations that individuals have, regardless of the consequences of their actions. In this case, using an unauthorized source to cheat on an exam violates the principle of honesty and integrity, which are fundamental moral duties. A deontologist would emphasize that individuals have a duty to act in accordance with moral principles, such as respecting academic integrity and upholding the rules and regulations set by educational institutions. By cheating on the exam, Dan is not only compromising his own integrity but also undermining the trust and fairness of the academic system.
Virtue Ethics
From a virtue ethics perspective, Dan’s decision to cheat on the exam raises concerns about his character and moral development. Virtue ethics focus on cultivating virtuous traits and behaviors that lead to a good and fulfilling life. In this scenario, Dan’s actions reflect a lack of virtues such as honesty, integrity, and respect for academic standards. A virtuous person would prioritize ethical conduct and personal integrity over achieving external goals or success. By choosing to cheat in order to maintain his GPA and secure scholarship funding, Dan is prioritizing his own interests and ambitions over ethical considerations and the values of honesty and fairness. A virtue ethicist would argue that true fulfillment and success come from developing virtuous character traits and acting in accordance with moral excellence, rather than resorting to deceitful means to achieve one’s goals.
